The Federal Government has officially commenced the reconstruction of the 122.89-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, a project valued at N178.116 billion and expected to improve transportation, security and economic activities along the corridor.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, said the project fulfilled a commitment he made before the 2023 general elections and reflected his administration’s determination to expand critical infrastructure across the country.
The highway stretches from Mando, near the Kaduna International Airport, to the Niger State boundary. It serves as one of the shortest road links connecting Northern Nigeria with Lagos and other South-West states.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the project as a strategic investment that would enhance security, reduce transportation costs and stimulate economic growth.
“The reconstruction of this road marks another milestone in our infrastructure renewal programme. It will reconnect communities, improve security, support agriculture and strengthen commerce across the region,” Umahi said.
He commended President Tinubu for delivering on his promise to reconstruct the road and praised Governor Uba Sani for consistently advocating its rehabilitation.
“The President made a commitment to reconstruct this road, and today that promise is being fulfilled. This project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to equitable development and delivering infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians,” he stated.
Umahi noted that the corridor, once notorious for insecurity and bandit attacks, would regain its importance as a major route linking Kaduna to Niger, Kwara, Osun, Oyo and Lagos.
“For years, this road was associated with insecurity. With ongoing security improvements and the commencement of reconstruction, it will once again become a vital corridor for commerce, agriculture and national integration,” he added.
The minister dismissed claims that the Federal Government was focusing only on new road projects while neglecting existing highways.
“That claim is inaccurate. Across the country, we are rehabilitating and reconstructing several major federal roads that had been abandoned for years,” Umahi said.
He listed projects including the Sokoto-Zamfara-Funtua-Zaria Road, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu-Onitsha Road, Makurdi-Ninth Mile Road, Bodo-Bonny Road and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway as examples of ongoing interventions.
Providing an update on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway, Umahi said a significant section had already been completed, with work progressing on the remaining portions.
“The first 118 kilometres have been completed, while installation of solar streetlights is ongoing. Only about 60 kilometres remain before the project is fully completed,” he said.
The minister maintained that investments in road infrastructure remain one of the government’s most effective strategies for improving security, lowering logistics costs and boosting economic development.
“Good roads create opportunities for business, agriculture, education and investment while improving the quality of life for citizens,” he said.
Umahi also congratulated the Kaduna State Government on securing approval for the proposed 50-kilometre Kaduna Light Rail Project, valued at about 868 million dollars.
According to him, “The light rail project is another landmark initiative that will significantly transform transportation within Kaduna State.”
He urged Nigerians to support government reforms through constructive engagement rather than misinformation.
“We welcome constructive criticism because it helps government improve, but misinformation does not strengthen democracy. The reforms being implemented are beginning to produce positive results, and Nigerians will continue to benefit as more projects are completed,” Umahi said.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre, said the project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to modernise federal highways, improve connectivity and promote economic growth.
The Kaduna (Mando)-Birnin Gwari Road has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s strategic transport corridors, linking Kaduna State to Niger State and providing easier access to several northern and south-western states.
Its reconstruction is expected to improve access to farming communities, reduce travel time, lower transport costs and strengthen security across the region.
